KINGSPORT — After seven years as the Model City’s chief executive officer, City Manager John Campbell has announced his retirement effective July 2014.

Campbell made the announcement at the end of a Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting Tuesday night.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you and six previous board members to move Kingsport forward,” Campbell said. “It has been very rewarding and exciting to work with over 800 city employees on a daily basis striving to provide Kingsport citizens and businesses the best services possible at the lowest possible costs.”

That last part is trademark Campbell and a comment he routinely makes during the city’s annual budget process. To ensure the long-term success of the city and to maintain an outstanding professional staff, Campbell said it is important for the BMA to find the best possible candidate for city manager.